Stargazing
Drive away from city lights with a flask of cocoa.
freeoutdoors
Date night · budget
Cheap and Free Date Night Ideas
The best dates are often the cheapest. Here are 20 that cost nothing or less than $20.
Quick answer
Free date ideas include stargazing, a sunset or sunrise picnic, a hike to a viewpoint, free museum days, karaoke at home and volunteering together. Under $20, try a board game café, open-mic comedy, a farmers market cook-off or a bookshop date with a small budget each.
Sunset picnic
Pack what's in the fridge and find a view.
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Sunrise breakfast
Early alarm, flask of coffee and pastries at a viewpoint.
under-20outdoors
Hike to a viewpoint
Choose a trail with a payoff view.
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Free museum day
Many museums have free entry or free evenings.
free
Library date
Pick books for each other and read in a café.
free
Bookshop challenge
$10 each to pick a book for the other.
under-20
Board game café
Small cover charge, unlimited games.
under-20
Open-mic comedy
Cheap or free and always memorable.
under-20
Farmers market cook-off
$10 each at the market, cook a course each.
under-20
Volunteer together
Animal shelter, food bank or park clean-up.
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Bike ride
Explore a new neighbourhood or trail.
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Thrift store outfit challenge
$10 each to style the other.
under-20
Living room karaoke
Free videos, lots of laughs.
freehome
Photo walk
Take turns choosing what to photograph on a walk.
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Free outdoor concert or festival
Check local listings for free summer events.
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Dollar store craft night
Make something ridiculous together.
under-20home
Ice cream tour
Try a scoop at two or three places and rank them.
under-20
Garden camping
Sleeping bags and s'mores in the back garden.
freehome
Cook a fancy dinner from pantry staples
A challenge: something special without shopping.
freehome
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cheap date?
A picnic, a hike, a board game café, open-mic comedy or a farmers market cook-off all cost under $20.
How do I make a free date feel special?
Add one small effort: a thermos of cocoa, a playlist, a nice blanket, or a handwritten note.